Recently named as one of the best places to visit in the UK, Leeds is a city packed full of culture, charm and history. And with so much on offer for free, it’s easy to make your stay Travelodgical. Here’s our pick of 10 great things to do in Leeds for free…
1. Take a stroll along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Get some fresh air and explore the picturesque waterways of Leeds with a relaxing stroll along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
You’ll pass charming riverboats and beautiful wildlife as you make your way along the canal, which starts near Leeds train station. If you’re a real rambler, you could walk along the whole length – all the way to Liverpool!
The canal starts at New Station St, Leeds LS1 5DL
2. Explore Roundhay Park
Stretching over 700 acres, you’ll find beautiful woodland and gorgeous gardens, all with a huge picturesque lake sat in the centre of the park. Roundhay park is perfect for long, lazy summer afternoons.
Princes Ave, Roundhay Park, Leeds LS8 2ER. Open 10am – 6pm every day.
3. Get inspired at The Tetley
A thriving centre of creativity for contemporary art, The Tetley is a great place to visit if you’re looking for some artistic inspiration.
Housed inside the beautiful former Tetley Brewery, The Tetley boasts three floors packed with incredible art. If you want to get stuck in yourself, it also offers a range of fun workshops that the whole family can enjoy.
Hunslet Rd, Leeds LS10 1JQ. Open 9am – 8pm Monday, 9am – 11pm Tuesday – Saturday and 10am – 8pm on Sundays.
4. Discover a world of history at Leeds City Museum
You can enjoy a fascinating day filled with historical discovery at Leeds City Museum.
This intriguing museum has 4 floors of exhibitions and artefacts to explore, including Egyptian mummies, Roman trinkets, Iron Age tools and Greek pottery. There’s also the popular Collectors’ Gallery, full of people’s weird and wonderful obsessions.
Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 8BH. Open 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Friday and 11am – 5pm Saturday – Sunday.
5. See some sculptures at the Henry Moore Institute
Part of a foundation created by one of the UK’s most respected and influential sculptors, the Henry Moore Institute is among the leading venues for sculpture in the world.
You’ll be able to admire work from Henry Moore himself, alongside exhibitions which have featured pieces from the likes of Dennis Oppenheim, Gego and Jean Tinguely.
74 The Headrow, Leeds LS1 3AH. Open 10am – 5.30pm Monday – Saturday and 11am – 5.30pm on Sundays.
6. Get back to nature on the Meanwood Valley Trail
A 7-mile walk stretching from the statue of former Leeds mayor Henry Rowland Marsden on Woodhouse Moor, to the beautiful Golden Acre Park, Meanwood Valley Trail is the perfect place to escape the madness of the city and get back to nature.
This picturesque and leafy trail shows a calm side to the city of Leeds, taking you along Woodhouse Ridge, Meanwood Park and Seven Arches Aqueduct.
The trail starts opposite The Library Pub, 229 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 3AP.
7. Step back in time at Horsforth Village Museum
You can see West Yorkshire as it used to be with a visit to Horsforth Village Museum. Formerly the biggest village in West Yorkshire, Horsforth was transformed by Leeds’ expansion over the last 200 years, and this museum offers an insight into life in the village throughout the ages.
You’ll be fascinated as you discover the story of Horsforth, from its humble beginnings to the important role played in both World Wars.
5 The Green, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5JB. Open 10am – 4pm Saturday and 2pm – 5pm Sunday.
8. See knights in action at The Royal Armouries
The national museum of arms and armour, The Royal Armouries holds one of the largest collections of military memorabilia in the world.
You’ll be amazed by the amount of military history and historical weaponry on display – and what’s more, the Armouries also stage re-enactments and jousting events for you to enjoy.
Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT. Open 10am – 5pm every day.
9. Meet the famous Leeds owls on the Leeds Owl Trail
Symbols of the city’s heritage and a monument to the people and events that built it, owls are an important part of Leeds’ history, even appearing in the city’s coat of arms.
Born from an idea by two local artists in 2004, the Leeds Owl Trail takes you through some of Leeds’ most fascinating and historic landmarks, following over 25 statues, monuments and carvings of the city’s favourite bird. A great way to see the city from a unique perspective.
Leeds Owl Trail starts at Millennium Square, Leeds LS2 3AD.
10. See a free movie at Crowd of Favours Cinema Club
If you’re looking for an evening of free entertainment in a fun, lively and comfortable setting, the Crowd of Favours is the place for you. This friendly pub hosts free movie screenings each Thursday, where you’ll be able to check out cult classics such as Blade Runner and The Full Monty from their super-comfy sofas.
Harper Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7EA. The Cinema Club runs every Thursday evening.
